It pays to know what’s in your e-Wallet

WASHINGTON, DC (April 29, 2014) – The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) today issued an investor advisory to cautioning investors to consider the risks associated with virtual currencies. The advisory is available on the NASAA website here.

“Unlike traditional currency, these alternatives typically are not backed by tangible assets, are not issued by a governmental authority and are subject to little or no regulation,” said Andrea Seidt, NASAA President and Ohio Securities Commissioner.

“The value of virtual currencies is highly volatile and the concept behind the currency is difficult to understand even for sophisticated financial experts,” Seidt said. “Investors should be aware that investments that incorporate virtual currency present very real risks.”

Virtual currency is an electronic medium of exchange that can be bought or sold through virtual currency exchanges and used to purchase goods or services where accepted. These currencies are stored in an electronic wallet, also known as an e-Wallet, which is a digital system that allows payments online via a computer or mobile device such as a smartphone.

Virtual currency, which includes digital and crypto-currency are gaining in both popularity and controversy. Growing numbers of merchants, businesses and other organizations currently accept Bitcoin, one example of crypto-currency, in lieu of traditional currency. Recently, one of the largest Bitcoin exchanges, MtGox, shut down after claiming to be the victim of hackers and losing more than $350 million of virtual currency. Despite the controversy, virtual currency may find its way into your e-Wallet.

Some common concerns investors should consider before investing in any offering containing virtual currency include:

Virtual currency is subject to minimal regulation, susceptible to cyber-attacks and there may be no recourse should the virtual currency disappear.

Virtual currency accounts are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which insures bank deposits up to $250,000.

Investments tied to virtual currency may be unsuitable for most investors due to their volatility.

Investors in virtual currency will be highly reliant upon unregulated companies that may lack appropriate internal controls and may be more susceptible to fraud and theft than regulated financial institutions.

Investors will have to rely upon the strength of their own computer security systems, as well as security systems provided by third parties, to protect their e-Wallets from theft.

–NASAA –

For More Information:Bob Webster | Director of Communications
202-737-0900